Quaker faith in action

Quaker faith springs from a deeply held belief in living our lives according to our spiritual experience. Some of our spiritual insights, which we call our testimonies, stem from deep experience and have been a part of Quaker faith for many years. These testimonies:

flow from an inner conviction and challenge our normal ways of living

exist in spiritually led actions rather than rigid, written forms

are governed by continuing spiritual experience and are not imposed in any way

require us to search for ways in which we can live them out for ourselves.

It’s not easy, but with loving advice and a supportive community Quakers are encouraged to keep trying.

Truth and integrity

Quakers try to live according to the deepest truth we know, which we believe comes from God. This means speaking the truth to all, including people in positions of power. Integrity is the guiding principle we set for ourselves and expect in public life.

Justice, equality and community

Quakers recognise the equal worth and unique nature of every person. This means working to change the systems that cause injustice and hinder true community. It also means working with people who are suffering from injustice, such as prisoners and asylum-seekers.

Simplicity

Quakers are concerned about the excesses and unfairness of our consumer society and the unsustainable use of natural resources. We try to live simply and to give space for the things that really matter: the people around us, the natural world, our experience of God.

Peace

Quakers are perhaps best known for our peace testimony. This arises from our conviction that love is at the heart of existence and all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. Our way of life must therefore reflect this. The peace testimony has led Quakers to refuse military service and to become involved in a variety of peace activities. These range from practical work in areas affected by violent conflict to the development of alternatives to violence at all levels – from the personal to the international. Read more about Quakers and peace.